How Do I Control Mosquitoes: 4 Ways To Reduce The Pest Problem

By: Ellen Parry

It is widely known that mosquitoes carry disease and are an annoyance. Can I prevent mosquito bites? How do I control mosquitoes? Can I get rid of mosquitoes permanently? The good news is, we definitely have answers to these important questions.

How can I avoid mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes can give you red, itchy bumps on the skin as well as deadly diseases. These are definitely something you would want to avoid and so the same cautiousness should apply to mere mosquito bites. Mosquito nets literally protect you from mosquito bites simply by keeping the mosquitoes themselves at a distance. The only catch is mosquito nets cannot do anything to manage mosquito populations.

There are available topical mosquito repellent products which you can use if you aren't indoors or more specifically inside a net. It is known to offer protection from mosquito bites for several hours but can have side effects that may even be life threatening when inhaled or consumed. You can use other botanical treatments like eucalyptus and citronella, but constant reapplication is needed.

How do I control mosquitoes then if I'm not spending too much time outside?

It might be a good idea to use mosquito traps rather than irritating skin applications especially when you're just at home. There are several kinds of mosquito traps available but these essentially work in two ways. Every mosquito trap both lures and kills mosquitoes.

Many people have been using bug zappers to kill mosquitoes in their home. How do I control mosquitoes with a bug zapper you ask? The bug zapper works by ensnaring and then electrocuting mosquitoes with light. What might surprise you though is that light doesn't attract all kinds of mosquitoes, so bug zappers don't always work. Hence the existence of more up-to-date devices that deceive mosquitoes in other ways. Major mosquito attractants like a plume of carbon dioxide, vapor, scent of lactic acid and warmth are therefore used.

How do I control mosquitoes with optimum results?

If the devices mentioned still don't work for you, you can use biocontrol as another way of reducing mosquito problems. With biocontrol, you use other animals like bats and birds to naturally get rid of mosquitoes. Before you plan on this solution, though, be consious of the fact that bats can be carriers of rabies and so may not be the best choice.

How do I control mosquitoes and then elliminate their population for good?

Although most devices and repellents actually work, other factors can change their effectiveness:

What the population of mosquitoes is. Mosquitoes proliferate in number easily and so are difficult to eradicate completely.

Number of different species. Some species are attracted to certain baits and other aren't.

Thriving locations. Mosquitoes are equipped to survive and proliferate in most environments.

There has been no ultimute solution found to completely elliminate all mosquito problems. Probably the best way to look at the situation is by considering the factors mentioned earlier so you at least know which device or repellent is suitable for reducing these problems.